The U.S. stock market closed mixed amid concerns over the Middle East conflict, although technology stocks showed strength. Notably, semiconductor stocks surged, pushing the Nasdaq index to consecutive record highs, raising expectations for a continued upward trend in the domestic market.
On September 22, the Nasdaq composite index, which is heavily weighted toward technology stocks, closed at 27,244.28, up 122.18 points (0.45%), marking its second consecutive record close.
The S&P 500 index fell by 0.06 points (0.00%) to finish at 7,764.64, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 185.14 points (0.36%) to close at 51,863.69.
Semiconductor stocks led the gains, with Micron Technology rising 5% and SK Hynix's American Depositary Receipts increasing by 3.45%. Other notable gainers included SanDisk (up 6.82%), Seagate (up 4.85%), and Western Digital (up 3.67%).
Declining international oil prices also contributed to improved investor sentiment, fueled by growing expectations that the U.S. and Iran could find a diplomatic solution ahead of the United Nations General Assembly.
President Donald Trump stated during a press conference that he had a "very productive meeting" with Iranian officials and that additional talks are scheduled soon. Reports also emerged that Iran proposed a plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within seven days, contingent on the easing of U.S. military pressure.
As a result, Brent crude for November delivery and West Texas Intermediate (WTI) for October delivery fell by 1.1% and 1.2%, respectively, dipping below $100 per barrel.
The domestic stock market is also expected to rise, buoyed by the strength of U.S. AI-related stocks and easing macroeconomic pressures from interest rates and oil prices. In pre-market trading on NXT, major stocks such as Samsung Electronics (up 2.35%), SK Hynix (up 2.88%), SK Square (up 2.91%), Samsung Electro-Mechanics (up 2.49%), LG Energy Solution (up 1.00%), and Hyundai Motor (up 1.11%) were all showing gains as of 8:16 a.m.
Han Ji-young, a researcher at Kiwoom Securities, noted, "Today, the domestic market is expected to start strong, driven by a 2% rise in the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index due to increased demand for server DRAM and a 2% rise in KOSPI 200 night futures. However, during the trading day, a wait-and-see sentiment ahead of the holiday and profit-taking pressures may lead to a shift toward individual stock movements based on specific issues."
With the KOSPI surpassing the 7,000 mark, there are discussions about further upward potential. One analyst remarked, "While there is still significant selling pressure around the 7,000-point level, the upper resistance is weakening compared to before. Although the market may dip below 7,000 during the wait-and-see sentiment ahead of the holiday, it is unlikely to be viewed as a trend decline."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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